Raking leaves for quarter of an hour a week works up enough of a sweat to burn 63 calories, adding up to 3,276 over a year

And while mowing the lawn might be considered more of necessary task than a workout, adults are shedding 5.7 calories a minute pacing up and down the garden.

And with Brits mowing for more than half an hour each week, that adds up to a whopping 10,400 calories melted each year.

In addition to shedding pounds, 78 per cent of gardeners admit that the act of pottering around in the garden reduces their stress levels.

As a result of the findings, a Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Gardening of 30 minutes, has been developed by TV gardening expert David Domoney in partnership with Argos, inspired by the government five-a-day guidelines we use for fruit and vegetables.

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Argos Head of Garden Innovation, Jo Blackman said: “Our research reveals that gardening is a fantastic way to improve both your physical and mental wellbeing with the green fingered amongst us reporting lower stress levels and more physical activity.

"That’s why we’ve partnered with garden expert David Domoney to provide people with some easy tips on how to get their recommended 30 minutes a day.”

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